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World’s First App-Controlled Prosthetic Hand Allows Natural Functions

There has been a lot of innovation lately when it comes to prosthetic hands. A few months ago, I wrote about a teenager who figured out how to 3D print a very clever prosthetic hand and arm for only $250. He hopes to find funding so he can start making them for everybody who can’t afford a traditional prosthetic hand. What I’d like to share with you today is also an exciting breakthrough. This is the world’s first app-controlled prosthetic hand.

This innovation was created by Touch Bionic and is called the i-limb ultra revolution. By linking control of the prosthetic hand to a smartphone app, it gives the user much greater control over the movements in the hand. Each one of the fingers, and the thumb, can be controlled individually by assigning a grip or gesture to it (there are a total of 24 grip options available on the app).

The user can operate the app from an iPhone or iPad. Whether the user needs to use his or her prosthetic hand to give a handshake, type a blog post, read a magazine or tie some shoelaces, the hand can be programmed with the correct grips and movements to make it all possible. This will offer the user greater dexterity and control than has ever been experienced with a prosthetic hand before. It’s almost like natural hand function. The fact that it’s all controlled with a simple app makes it even more appealing.

According to the Touch Bionics website, this prosthetic hand just became available earlier this month. I’m not sure exactly how you can get it, but you can visit the website yourself to check out those details. This will no doubt change a lot of lives for the better!